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Meet the AEP team: Chath Fernando

May 7, 2024
AEP team member

Why did you choose to work at the AEP? 

I've always been drawn to neuroscience because I'm passionate about improving the lives of those affected by neurological conditions. I really resonate with the AEP’s mission of making a meaningful impact by offering individuals access to testing beyond standard care pathways, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of life of people living with epilepsy.

What do you hope to achieve at the AEP?

I'm looking forward to playing a part, however small, in helping the AEP achieve its vision of making positive changes in people's lives.

 

Proudest moment or achievement. Why did this make you feel so proud?

One thing I'm proud of is how I've learned from my mistakes. Each one has been a chance to grow and become more resilient. It's about turning setbacks into opportunities for improvement, and that's something I value.

 

All-time favourite meal?

Anything Thai!

 

Current streaming recommendation?

Two podcasts I like to listen to are The Daily Motivation by Lewis Howes and The Mindvalley Show with Vishen.

 

Current book you are reading?  

I’m currently reading The Code of the Extraordinary Mind by Vishen Lakhiani.

This book teaches you to think like some of the greatest non-conformist minds of our era, to question, challenge, hack, and create new rules for your life so you can define success on your own terms. The Code of the Extraordinary Mind is a blueprint of laws to break us free from the shackles of an ordinary life.

 

What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?  

Focus on cultivating a growth mindset because life is 80% mindset.

 

Who would you most like to meet, or have met?

This is a tough question… maybe Brene Brown. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bren%C3%A9_Brown

 

Finish the following sentences:

 

My ideal weekend involves… a break from household chores, starting with a morning walk, spending quality time outdoors with the family, and ending the day with a movie or dinner at a good Thai restaurant.

 

I believe the most important thing in life is… having the right mindset.

Ask an Epilepsy Expert: How is epilepsy diagnosed?

We've launched our Ask an Epilepsy Expert series where our AEP team answer common questions about epilepsy. In episode 1, AEP imaging Lead, Dr David Vaughan answers the question: how is epilepsy diagnosed?

AEP Participant: Kylie Staats shares her story

Hi, my name is Kylie Staats, I’m 37 years old and I have had epilepsy for almost my entire life. I had my first seizure when I was four years old, and at that time, nobody knew why it was happening.

AEP Volunteer: Luke Wolfe

Meet Luke Wolfe, a recent volunteer for the AEP’s control group. Earlier this year, his close friend experienced her first seizure and was subsequently diagnosed with epilepsy. Watching her navigate this new diagnosis and its impact on her life left him wondering if there was a more proactive way he could help, other than offering care and support.